Writing is a hobby that many of us share. For some, it is even a source of income. Writing is a practice of creativity, articulation, and play of the mind. Whether we write about fiction or factual things, it takes special effort and dedication to write and finish a piece.
If you aspire to write – start a blog, create a novel, and the likes – but you find it challenging to start, you might want to go through the basics first. Although writing may simply be pouring your mind out, there are simple general guidelines to follow in order to effectively write and share your thoughts. Allow us to help you out. Here are 10 helpful tips to start writing.
1. Keep on Writing
Write, write, write. Practice is the only secret to become an accomplished writer.
Expose yourself to other people’s writings and keep on writing yourself.
2. Pour It Out
Writing does not really have ground rules, especially if you are writing as a hobby and entertainment for yourself. When you begin to venture out in the world of writing, the best thing you can do it to just pour it out.
Don’t mind the grammatical errors and formatting – you can edit that later when you are done.
3. Get Feedback
Constructive criticism is a good way to learn and become better at writing. Have your piece critiqued by others – friends or family who can give you honest feedback.
You can also seek advice from professional writers.
4. Set a Soft Deadline
Aside from word count, one of the techniques to accomplish a writing piece is to set a soft deadline. This is an effective way to set yourself to focus and ensure that you finish the piece.
For beginners, you can set a soft deadline that you know is doable, to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
5. Set a Word Count
One of the most effective ways to accomplish a writing task is to set a word count. This is in the mechanics side of writing guidelines but when you have a word count limit, you can easily formulate an outline.
You also know how much you will be focusing on each idea you present in your story or article.
6. Start small
For beginners in writing, it is advisable to also start small. Start with articles and stories that have simple ideas and twists. This way, your mind will not easily tire out.
Like an athlete, the mind also needs gradual training to get to the best part. Be patient. Practice is the key.
7. Choose a Place You Feel Most Inspired
Every writer has “that place” where they feel most comfortable in writing.
It may be one place or many, but in a way, this is a place where the mind pulls all the ideas it can so you can be at your best writing prowess.
8. Set a Schedule to Write Every Day
Having a daily allotted schedule to write is your way of discipline and your way to give yourself the time to focus on writing. The recommended time to do this is early in the morning, when your mind is still fresh, or any time of the day where you have a quiet moment to yourself.
Avoid rowdy environments that may make you lose focus.
9. Prepare an Outline
An outline is like a guide. This is where you go back to and consult on the pattern of your story. An outline is also a good way to make sure that you do not veer away from the ideas, especially if you are writing a factual piece. Your outline does not have to be formally written.
You can scribble down an outline as you go, or you can prepare a list just to give you an idea as you are writing.
10. Clear Your Mind
First things first, clear your mind and focus on your piece. When you have a clear mind to start, you can come up with creative ideas to begin your piece.
This is also a great way to “brainstorm” with yourself on how you want your story to take shape. This is where you can prepare an outline and see how your story will go.
Writing is a way to share your mind with your readers. You become a good and effective writer if, by reading your piece, your readers become engaged with your story. If you get to share your emotions with your readers and make them feel what you feel, that is one of the best measures of writing success.
Above all, start writing because you want to write; because you want to pour out your thoughts; because you want to share your experience. Continue writing to practice and eventually you will develop the writing skill that you desire.